People’s National Congress (PNC) activist Mohamed Shaheed has withdrawn his nomination for the post of High Court judge, days after his appointment drew widespread criticism over political ties and experience.
Shaheed, whose name remains on the PNC register, filed a letter with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) seeking to withdraw his application.
The JSC had appointed Shaheed and former judge Abdulla Jameel Moosa to fill two vacant High Court seats on Wednesday. However, the appointment prompted backlash from lawyers, opposition parties and members of the public who questioned Shaheed’s suitability for the role.
A day after the appointment, lawyer Ahmed Naushad, who had also applied for the position, filed a petition seeking to halt Shaheed’s appointment. Naushad argued that Shaheed’s close ties to the ruling PNC and his limited judicial experience compromised his integrity.
Naushad’s case was accepted by the court, and a hearing was pending when Shaheed submitted his withdrawal.
Shaheed previously served as deputy minister of homeland security in President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration until July and has long been an active member of the PNC, appearing at party events and campaigns. He had practised law for five years before seeking the High Court position.
The JSC has not commented on Shaheed’s withdrawal or the allegations of political interference in the appointment process. The High Court vacancies arose after two judges were promoted to the Supreme Court earlier this year.